NEW DELHI: External affairs minister S Jaishankar on Thursday said attacks on seafarers, commercial shipping and critical infrastructure “cannot be countenanced under any circumstances”, as he called for strict adherence to international maritime law and greater regional cooperation during the 21st East Asia Summit (EAS) in Manila.Addressing the summit, Jaishankar stressed the need for diplomatic engagement to resolve the ongoing crises in Middle East and the Gulf region while reaffirming India’s commitment to ensuring safe and unhindered navigation through international sea lanes.“Under no circumstances can attacks on seafarers, civilian shipping or infrastructure be countenanced,” Jaishankar said.He also reiterated India’s support for Asean centrality and an open, free, inclusive and prosperous Indo-Pacific, saying the current global order is marked by uncertainty, strategic rivalry and growing geopolitical tensions.
Global conflicts affecting economy, Global South: Jaishankar
Following the summit, Jaishankar said in a post on X that the global economy was facing the consequences of multiple ongoing conflicts.“The world economy is today reeling under the impact of multiple conflicts; energy, food and health security cannot be taken for granted, especially by the Global South,” he said.He added that structural changes in global politics and technology were reshaping international relations.“There are structural changes being created by new capabilities, exposure and relationships; politics and security increasingly override economics and efficiency while the propensity to take risks and push the envelope is growing,” he said.On the South China Sea, Jaishankar reiterated India’s support for the early conclusion of a substantive, effective and legally binding Code of Conduct (CoC) that is fully consistent with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) without prejudicing the legitimate rights of countries that are not parties to the negotiations.The minister also reaffirmed India’s backing for Asean-led efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution to the crisis in Myanmar.Calling for stronger international cooperation against cybercrime, Jaishankar urged member countries to take coordinated action against transnational cyber scam networks that have trapped several Indian citizens in recent years, as per ANI.On the humanitarian front, he highlighted India’s relief and rehabilitation assistance worldwide and said New Delhi had emerged as a leading donor to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).“We believe that a two-state solution can lead to a lasting and durable peace,” he said.Jaishankar also announced that India will host the 7th EAS Conference on Maritime Security Cooperation in Kochi and the EAS Maritime Heritage Festival at Lothal.
Holds bilateral meetings with Oman, UK, Netherlands, Philippines
On the sidelines of the Asean-related Foreign Ministers’ Meetings, Jaishankar also held a series of bilateral meetings with leaders from Oman, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, the Philippines and UNRWA.During his meeting with Oman’s foreign minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, the two leaders exchanged views on the latest developments in the Gulf region.“Appreciated meeting with FM Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi of Oman in Manila. Exchanged perspectives on the recent developments in the Gulf region. Agreed to remain in touch,” Jaishankar said in a post on X.In his first meeting with newly appointed UK foreign secretary Edward Miliband, Jaishankar congratulated him on his appointment and discussed expanding bilateral ties following the implementation of the recently concluded India-UK Free Trade Agreement.“Congratulated him on his appointment. Agreed to build on the positive momentum generated through the recent India-UK FTA implementation, and work towards strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” he posted.Jaishankar also met Christian Saunders, acting commissioner-general of UNRWA, and discussed India’s humanitarian contributions, including commitments made at the recent donors’ conference in the areas of health and capacity building.With Dutch foreign minister Tom Berendsen, Jaishankar reviewed the outcomes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the Netherlands and discussed implementing the newly elevated India-Netherlands Strategic Partnership.“The elevation of our ties to a Strategic Partnership has opened new avenues of cooperation, including in semiconductors, water resources, green hydrogen, health & culture,” he said.The external affairs minister also called on Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., conveying Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s greetings and reaffirming India’s support for the Philippines’ Asean chairmanship.“India-Philippines cooperation under the aegis of our Strategic Partnership continues to diversify as we implement the India-Philippines Plan of Action 2025-2029,” Jaishankar said.Jaishankar is on a two-day visit to Manila, where he attended the Asean-India Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, the East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, the Asean Regional Forum and the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, where India, the United States, Japan and Australia reaffirmed their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific and support for Asean centrality.
